A Nigerian returnee, Mr. Ibhahe Hope Ehieribo, has cried out for justice after discovering that over ₦100 million mysteriously disappeared from his United Bank for Africa (UBA) account. Even more disturbing, he was informed that the bank processed the transaction based on the claim that he was dead and buried.
This incident has raised critical questions about the probate withdrawal process in Nigerian banks — a legal tool now allegedly used in this case to facilitate what appears to be financial fraud.
What Is Probate Withdrawal?
Probate withdrawal is the legal process through which money is withdrawn from the account of a deceased individual by their legally authorized estate executor or next of kin. This is typically done after:
- A death certificate is issued;
- A grant of probate (or letters of administration) is obtained from a probate court;
- The bank verifies the documents and confirms the death of the account holder.
Only then are funds lawfully disbursed to settle debts or distributed to beneficiaries.
How Did UBA Allegedly Violate the Process?
Mr. Ehieribo had lived and worked abroad for several years, saving diligently in his UBA account. Upon returning to Nigeria, he attempted to access his savings — only to find that his entire balance had been emptied.
According to him, UBA officials claimed someone had initiated a probate withdrawal, presenting documents that stated he was dead.
“They told me I was dead and buried,” Mr. Ehieribo said in shock. “How is that possible when I am here, standing before them?”
Despite his physical presence and protests, the bank reportedly refused to explain how the funds were released or who received them.
No Accountability, No Transparency
Mr. Ehieribo demanded that UBA disclose:
- The recipient of the ₦100 million;
- Copies of the probate documents submitted;
- The identity of those who presented the claim.
Instead, the bank allegedly attempted to silence him by calling the police. However, the police refused to detain him, citing that he had a legitimate and lawful grievance.
Probate Fraud? Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal analysts are describing the situation as a potentially criminal abuse of probate law, with serious implications:
- If UBA processed a probate withdrawal without a verified court order or death certificate, it constitutes gross negligence;
- If internal staff colluded to falsely declare the account holder dead, it may amount to financial fraud, forgery, and breach of trust.
“Probate withdrawal is a sensitive and strictly regulated process,” says Barrister Ifeanyi Nwosu, a Lagos-based probate attorney. “What happened here could be an inside job or a major procedural failure.”
Public Outrage and Demand for Justice
Social media platforms have erupted with anger over the incident. The hashtag #JusticeForHopeEhieribo has begun trending, with thousands calling on UBA Group (@UBAGroup) to issue a full explanation and refund the stolen funds.
Nigerians in the diaspora, many of whom have accounts with UBA, have expressed fears that their savings may not be safe under the current system.
Calls for Regulatory Action
Human rights activists, legal practitioners, and financial watchdogs are now demanding that:
- The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) immediately launch an investigation;
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) probe the matter for signs of criminal conspiracy;
- UBA be compelled to release all internal documents tied to the transaction;
- A full refund be made to Mr. Ehieribo.
UBA Silent Amid Mounting Pressure
As of the time of publication, UBA has not issued an official statement addressing the allegations. Repeated calls and emails to the bank’s corporate communications team went unanswered.
A Growing Crisis of Confidence
This case underscores growing concerns about the security of funds in Nigerian banks, especially when probate processes — intended to protect estates — are allegedly weaponized for fraud.
If indeed a man can be declared dead while alive, and his bank account drained without proper documentation, the entire banking system may be vulnerable to manipulation and corruption.
